GR Native and National Guard member dies after a traffic crash in rural Texas

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PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich.- A Grand Rapids native and National Guard member died Thursday, July 24th after a two vehicle crash in Marion County, Texas.

According to the Marion County Department of Public Safety, the accident happened around 5 a.m. Thursday morning on Texas 43 outside of Smithville. 24-year-old, Corey Hanson of Grand Rapids was travelling north on Texas 43 when his vehicle crossed the center line and collided with an on-coming semi just south of FM 805.

Both vehicles caught fire. Mr. Hanson died at the scene.

The driver of the semi was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Mr. Hanson was on his way back to the Grand Rapids area for a wedding according to a friend of the family.

Hanson is a 2008 graduate of Northview High School and did two tours in Afghanistan for the National Guard. He leaves behind his mother, Dawn Batchelder and five sisters.